The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in Pakistan has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve technical failures in its IRIS software that are preventing taxpayers from accessing lawful tax credits.
The ombudsman ruled that the revenue authority cannot use system limitations as a justification for withholding refunds or credits to which taxpayers are legally entitled.
The directive targets specific glitches within the IRIS platform that have been blocking the processing of valid claims.
By mandating the removal of these technical barriers, the FTO is reinforcing the principle that administrative or technological shortcomings should not override statutory taxpayer rights.
This intervention highlights ongoing friction between the tax authority's digital infrastructure and its legal obligations.
This development follows recent legislative changes aimed at curbing the FBR's enforcement powers.